Improvement in show-cases



B. M-ETZ GER.

Show-Cases.

Patented Nov. 3,1874.

FIG H WITNESSES v mvau TOR BERNHART METZGE THE GRAPHIC CO. PPIOYO-NTHJBQ H PlRK PLAOENX I UNITED STATES PATENT Enron BERNHART METZGER, OF LOCK HAVEN, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT lN SHOW-CASES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 156,589, dated November 3, 1874; application filed August 24, 1874. V

To an whom it mag] concern: 7

Be it known that I, BERNHART METZGER, of Lock Haven, in the county of Clinton and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Show-Gases; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification TH invention relates to the cases used in shops for the display and handling of goods; and the said invention consists of a stepped show-case having its treads or covers of hinged framed plates of glass, adapted by sheaves and a lever from the sides of the case to uncover the several boxes simultaneously for close inspection and handling.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a view in perspective of my improved show-case, with the covers down and as adapted for use in the shop-sale of cigars; and Fig. 2, a vertical transverse section of the same with the covers raised. i It is designed that the cases be made of such length only as to permit of convenient operation of the covers in displaying the goods, and affording access thereto by the customer. In the example shown, which fully illustrates my invention, the case A is a box or case of wood, having an inclined displaying-surface formed by banks of boxes B, for the reception of the goods, which in this instance are open boxes of cigars a, of various brands and prices. The sides 0 of the case are stepped, as shown, and form seats for the tread-framed glass covers b, which are suitably hinged at the beginning of the risers of the steps at c, and at their free ends are secured to pulley-cords d, which pass over and around knob-sheaves d 11 upon the sides of the case. These sheaves may be manipulated themselves to operate the covers 1), or motion may be induced by a thumb-lever, c, operating the pulley-cords. The risers c of the steps are covered with glass, behind which placards indicating the brand and price are placed for the information of the buyer, and the use of placards upon the goods themselves avoided. Said step-risers c are inclined at a slight angle to the tread-covers b, so that the placards may be conveniently visible when said covers are raised, since, if the risers were vertical, the placards would be at an inconvenient angle of vision when viewed through the glass of the raised covers and the glass of the risers, and the two thus combined afford clear observation,whether the covers be opened or closed. The knob-sheaves d upon each side of the case revolve upon a spindle, f, running from end to end, so that it is unnecessary to confine the manipulation to one side of the case, these knob-sheaves being doubly or trebly wrapped by the pulley-cords, so as to give two functions, viz., to raise the covers from either or both sides of the case, if necessary, without recourse to the thumb-lever, and to control the descent or closing of the covers, to prevent slamming. The show-case is hollow, and is provided with a door, D, in the rear.

The operation of the device is apparent from the description, as it will be seen that it is only necessary tomanipulate the pulleys to raise and lower the covers, their lowering being facilitated by their weight.

I claim-- A stepped show-case with banks of boxes or receptacles, and provided with hinged treadframe covers I) of glass, adapted to be raised and lowered simultaneously, as and for the purpose described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

BERNHART METZGER. Witnesses:

FRANK J. Onsonenn, J. WALLACE OHL. 

